Page 91 of Miss Prim and the Duke of Wylde
Drago couldn’t decide which of the many emotions surging through him was most dominant. Satisfaction, relief, joy, and eagerness for what lay ahead all had their moments. With Meg on his arm, he moved through the crowd, all intent on celebrating their union, and knew that, for him, today would always rank as a highlight of his life.
As he and Meg had alluded to earlier, today was the day when so much changed. Today marked the beginning of the rest of his life and hers.
With that certainty solidifying within him, he unreservedly gave himself up to enjoying the hours with their extensive families, connections, and friends.
In the melee, he and Meg caught up with George, Harry, and Thomas. All three were quick to offer their congratulations and wishes for a happy future.
George glanced at the celebratory crowd. “Excellent outcome all around!”
Harry nodded earnestly. “Haven’t seen so much consensus in a crowd such as this…well, in my lifetime. Amazing, really.”
Grinning, Thomas arched a brow at Drago and Meg. “So are you off to Wylde Court, then?”
Smiling, Drago met Meg’s eyes and gently squeezed her hand. “Later today.” He looked at his friends and pointedly added, “For at least several weeks.”
“It’s going to take me that long to find my way around the place.” Meg’s expression assured everyone that she was looking forward to the challenge.
Harry and George promptly fell to recalling all the highlights of the estate that, as visitors over many years, they had found of note.
“Don’t forget the tower, either,” Harry said. “The views from there are amazing!”
They chatted for several minutes, all in the vein of encouraging Meg in enjoying her time at Wylde Court, picking up the reins there as Drago’s duchess. Then Drago and Meg moved on through the guests, stopping and chatting and being delighted.
Twenty minutes later, Meg directed Drago’s attention to a couple ahead of them. “There’s Alison and Joshua.” The Melwins had received an invitation as a matter of course, and Meg and Drago had made sure that Joshua had been invited as well. Buoyed on happiness, Meg glanced at Drago. “Surely the Melwins have agreed to countenance their betrothal by now.”
Looking at the couple standing at the edge of the crowd with their backs to Meg and Drago, Drago murmured, “So one would hope. Perhaps we can congratulate them. Let’s find out.”
On hearing Drago call their names, Alison and Joshua turned. On seeing who was approaching, the pair were quick to smile and offer their felicitations.
But Meg had seen the glumness both had leapt to hide, and she was sure Drago had, too. While the four of them exchanged the usual compliments, Meg glanced around. She and Drago had been circulating for long enough that others were no longer lying in wait, wanting to speak with them. No one was close enough to overhear. When the first rush of congratulations faded, she fixed Alison and Joshua with a direct look. “Have the Melwins agreed to your betrothal being announced?”
There was really no way to avoid answering that question.
Alison sighed, and her face fell. “No.” She shared a grimly determined look with Joshua. “But we’re not giving up. Hubert will have to climb off his high horse sometime.”
“So he’s still being difficult?” Drago asked.
Joshua nodded. “I—” He glanced at Alison and amended, “We are at our wits’ end. If Hubert would give us some idea of what he sees as an issue—why he’s advising his father not to agree to our betrothal being announced—I’m sure we would be able to address any perceived problem, but…” Joshua raised a hand in a gesture of helplessness. “We can’t counter an argument that’s not advanced.”
Drago frowned. “I take your point.” After a moment, he said, “If you think it would help”—he glanced at Meg—“we would be happy to speak with the Melwins on your behalf.”
Meg nodded. “Absolutely. You can count on our support.”
Alison smiled weakly. “Thank you.” She looped her arm in Joshua’s and glanced up at him. “But I’m determined to wear Hubert down. We will prevail, even if it takes a few more months.” She smiled more confidently. “He can’t resist forever. Not even Papa will allow that.”
Others came up to hover, clearly waiting to speak with Meg and Drago.
Meg smiled at the newcomers, then said to Alison and Joshua, “If we can help, let us know.”
With nods, the four parted, and with Drago, Meg moved on to the two matrons with daughters eager to engage with them.
Then the musicians returned, and the next hour flew.
Drago found Meg pried from his side to dance with her brothers, Nicholas and Toby, and subsequently, several of her cousins. He, in turn, was captured by his sisters, then by several cousins, all older than he, and all of whom took great delight in teasing him over him choosing to marry a Cynster.
They, it seemed, had heard about the “Cynsters only marry for love” mantra, and all were openly curious as to what he thought of it.
Assuming the cool haughtiness of the head of their house, he refused to give them even a hint.
